Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2025–26 United Rugby Championship
Matchday 9
Stormers v Bulls
Cape Town Stadium
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday, 3 January 2025
Kick-off is at 18h00
Stormers will be looking to pick up where they left off in 2025 when the Bulls visit the Cape Town Stadium in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday, January 3.
The 2021-22 champions weren't in action on matchday 8 as their fixture - also against the Bulls - was moved to March 14, but they still ended the year at the top of the URC standings.
John Dobson's side maintained their perfect start to the season with a 34-27 victory over the Lions on December 20 to open up a three-gap over Munster, who missed out on the chance to claim top spot eight days later.
The Red Army suffered a 13-8 defeat to Leinster on December 27, although they still managed to pick up a bonus point to move within two of the Stormers.
Suggested photo: Dylan Maart of Stormers
The Bulls have dropped out of the top eight after losing 21-12 to the Sharks on matchday 7 which was their third defeat on the spin and sees them sitting in 10th place.
Connacht (9th) and Benetton (7th) took advantage of the Pretoria outfit's inactivity last time out to go one and three points clear of them respectively.
Suggested photo: Handre Pollard of Bulls
Johan Ackermann's side ran out narrow 33-22 victors on their last trip to Cape Town on 2 February 2025, but Dobson insists his players are ready for the big occasion despite admitting the three-week break could pose a challenge.
"This break could make or break us," he said. "However, there's no question we'll be up for the Bulls. We know it's such a special game.
"We lost here this time last year. We've got this week off, and then we've got a full week up to the Bulls. Hopefully [Damian Willemse] is back. Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] is back. It's going to be a big occasion.
"It's a bit of a scenario to sell out, so we're looking forward to that very much. It's going to be a classic. We'll be better."
Head-to-Head: (Last Five URC Matches)
Matches - 5
Bulls wins - 2
Stormers wins - 3
Draws - 0
United Rugby Championship Matchday 9 fixtures:
Thursday, January 1
17h00: Dragons v Scarlets
19h30: Ospreys v Cardiff
Friday, January 2
21h45: Ulster v Munster
Saturday, January 3
15h30: Sharks v Lions
18h00: Stormers v Bulls
19h30: Benetton v Edinburgh
19h30: Leinster v Connacht
21h45: Glasgow Warriors v Zebre Parma
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